Recessed lighting fixture with adjustable spotlight



Aug. 18, 1953 A. H. FEDER 2,649,535

RECESSED LIGHTING FIXTURE WITH ADJUSTABLE SPOTLIGHT 4 Sheets-Sheet 1Filed July 5, 1947 F l 18 i5 fi 75 29 a2 34 7 73-} INVENTOR A. H. FEDERAug. 18, 1953 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 5, 1947 INVENTOR Abfiafmmfllba'efi ATTORNEY r mm u o NQN A 7 MEI Aug. 18, 1953 FEDER2,649,535

RECESSED LIGHTING FIXTURE WITH ADJUSTABLE SPOTLIGHT Filed July 5, 1947 4Sheets-Sheet 5 Fl. .lll Q9 98 INVENTOR ATTORNEY A. H. FEDER Aug. 18,1953 RECESSED LIGHTING FIXTURE WITH ADJUSTABLE SPOTLIGHT Filed July 5,1947 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 mwm 9mm min WNW www mQM NHE m bm

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Patented Aug. 1 8, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE RECESS-ED LIGHTINGFIXTURE WI TH ADJUSTABLE SPOTLIGHT 9 Claims.

The present invention relates to an illuminating device and itparticularly relates to a lighting fixture which may be readilyconverted to give different types of illumination.

It is among the objects of the present invention to provide a novellighting fixture of simple, inexpensive, durable sheet metalconstruction which without lens, reflectors or special lighting bulbs orattachments, will give a high degree of illumination either uniformlyover a surface, showcase or in a display room or a spot-lightillumination, all without generation of excessive heat and without needof special ventilating constructions.

Another object is to provide a novel illuminating fixture readily andinexpensively constructed of sheet metal which may either be recessed ina ceiling, a column, or a wall, or which may be mounted in an adjustabletrough or casing which by way of a single electrical outlet may beprovided with a fixed reflector bulb or a rotatable and adjustable spotlight construction, all in conformity with the fire preventionrequirements and underwriters regulations.

Another object is to provide a lighting fixture of small and compactconstruction designed to receive a fixed or adjustable conical reflectorbulb within a dimension of less than 7 to in diameter.

Still further objects and advantages will appear in the more detaileddescription set forth below, it being understood, however, that thismore'detailed description is given by way of illustration andexplanation only and not by way of limitation, since various changestherein may be made by those skilled in the art without departing fromthe scope and spirit of the present invention.

In accomplishing the objects, it has been found to be most satisfactoryto form an outside cylindrical casing with a screw type recess at thetop thereof for reception of a reflector bulb or for reception of ascrew connection for an electrical conduit. In the latter case the lowerpart of the cylindrical casing is provided with seat for a hollow ballmember receiving a detachable screw recess member for a conicalreflector bulb at the upper part thereof and a louvre at the bottomthereof to give a directional beam efiect and prevent side glare. Theseat consists of a ring detachably mounted on the bottom of the casing.

The invention also consists in certain new and original features ofconstruction and combination of parts hereinafter set forth and claimedand as to its other objects, features and advantages, the mode ofoperation and manner of its organization, these, inter alia, may bebetter understood by referring to the following description consideredin connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof inwhich:

Fig. l is a vertical transverse sectional view of a preferred form ofilluminating device or lighting fixture according to the presentinvention;

Fig. 1a is a vertical transverse sectional view of the lighting fixtureof Fig. 1 showing the light source in an alternative with an alternativeclosure;

Fig. 2 is a horizontal view looking upwardly upon the line 2--2 of Fig.1, in partial section better to show the interior construction;

Fig. 3 is an offset fragmentary side vertical sectional view upon theline 3-3 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary side vertical sectional view upon the line 4--4of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary vertical side sectional view upon the line 5--5of Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view showing an alternateattachment to the wall;

Fig. 7 is a vertical, sectional view upon the line 1-4 of Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a transverse vertical sectional view of a trough or sheetmetal carrier construction;

Fig. 9 is a transverse vertical sectional view upon the line 9--9 ofFig. 8;

Fig. 10 is a transverse vertical sectional view upon the line Ill-l0 ofFig. 8;

Fig. 11 is an end elevational view of the adjustable trough constructionof the fixture shown in Figure 8.

Fig. 12 is a vertical sectional view of another alternative embodimentof lighting fixture showing the fixture suspended from the ceiling withan adjustable ball member detachably carried by an inverted bowl member;

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary side sectional View upon the line |3-l3 of Fig.12 showing the attachment between the adjustable ball and inverted bowlcarrying member; and

Fig. 14 is a vertical sectional view of another alternative embodimentof lighting fixture with a reflector inserted in position around areflector bulb.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, the main cylindrical casing A is mounted orrecessed in the ceiling B. The casing A carries the main lightingconnection C and is also designed to receive subsidiary lightingconnection D. Between the connections C and D is positioned theelectrical connection E, the light source F and the louvre or grille G.

Referring particularly to Fig. 1, the casing A may be formed of acylinder or spinning ll] of relatively thin sheet metal, for example of18 to 20 gauge brass, copper, bronze, steel or aluminum, having the topintegral portion I I and vent holes 8. To the top H of the casing A bythe screws 12 are attached the inturned flanges [3 of the cover casing-Henclosing 'the'socket structure C. The cylindrical side wall ['4 of thecasing H is provided with a flat base l5. The casing M has an opening Hito which is attached the flexible cable I! with the connector I 8.

Mounted within the casing"Cby'the screws I9 is th porcelain socket 20forming part ofthe element C which may carry the attachment screw plug9.

The attachment plug 9 (see Fig. 1) carries the asbestos electricalconduit cord 2| leading to the socket arrangement E. The conduitconnection 2 l is connected to the bushing 22, which in turn connects tthe porcelain socket 23. The bushing 22 is mounted in'the base 2 4 ofthe cylindrical casing 25 forming part orthe structure D. The porcelainsocket 23 is mounted by the spider 26 which may be adjustably-positionedin the cylinder 25. The cylinder '25 has the outturned flange portion 27with'the downturned edge portion 28 (see also Fig. 4)

Suspended from the flange 2 1 or depending edge'portion 28 arethe upperportions 29 of the ball 30. The portions 28 and 29 are held together bythe brass screws 34 held in position by the nuts 31 positioned at spacedintervals around the upper periphery of the-balltfl, as shown best inFig. 4.

As shown in Fig. 4 the flange 28 has a recess 32 and a slot 753 whichreceives theshank of the screw 34. By turning the ball the direction 35theba11 may be disconnected from the flange 21, while a reverse movementwill cause a tight connection as indicated in Fig. 4. When disconn t d eu F m h removed r m serted'into'the socket 23 The ball 30 extends downto grille or louvre G which is provided with an attachment sleeve 31having the upturned flange '33 which engages the lower-edge 39 of theball 30. The ball 30 is made of thin sheet metal'andfor example asatisfactory construction is 20 gauge spun brass.

The spring clip' lll'will fit in a'recess 4! in the sleeve'3l and holdthe grille or louvre G in position'in bottom' of the ball 36, As shownthere are about five louvres 42 in one direction and three louvres 43 inthe other direction which may be brazed to thering or cylinder 31.

The-ball 30 hasbrazed thereto a nut through whichscrews the threadedshank 6i of the machine screw 62. This threaded shank 6! receives alocknut'fis interior ly of the ball 30.. The shank 3| fits in a slot 64in the member 55. As shown the member 65 has a lower outturned flange 65and an upper outturned flange Bl. The flange 61 cooperates with the stopfinger 6 8 of the angle member [59. The member 69 is welded at 10 to thesheet metal shell A. The stop flnger 68 by contact with element 6'! willprevent ball 30 from being rotated morethan 360 and twisting cord 2|,while permitting fr e swinging movement of ball 3q with shankfil slidingup and down in stop 7 element 655a the-attachment;

An alternative-attachment to the wall B is also shown in Fig. 6. Theplaster ring 82 is formed .of the sections 83, 84 and 85 and is mounteddirectly in the plaster 86. The ceiling ring and spinning l; with" theflange 14 carries the L members 81 carrying the overhanging fingerportions 88. and the outstanding flange portions 89 which are Welded tothe spinning 13. The finger 88 'latch'o've'nthe' shanks 90 of the screws9| which screw'the flange 83 into the plaster 86.

By removing the screw plug 9, the cord 2|, the rings 14 d m mbe i htheslee e 7. the -ihe ellfiikwi c Di qm assembly of Fig Lit is thenpossible to screw the reflector bulb F directly into socket Oto, achieveuniform, non-adjustable illumination downwardy- Theringsl 3 ml! ay beremovedy ,djsengaging screw Bllfroiri slotliiwor screw9ll ;from finger88, Which willpermit ball -3Land retaining structure M of Figsl.and-SQQrQ N of Figs. S and 7 to be dropped out ofca'singA together withball To assemble the ball 3!),thecover21 is first removedby" disengagntofscrews or.p ins..3 4 from slot 33 "(see Fig. 4). 'Th econical-reflector bulb F is then screwed intothe socketE, The cover 2'! .is replaced.by' engagement of thejscrew s 3 3 in the slots SSKseeFig. 4). Then thestructure G is engagedin the bottom of th ball39 by snappingthe'rece'ssfil of the ring 3! ontothe snap ring' lfl. The ring?! is thenplaced on the ring 13 inside of the flange .0r sleeve 11 with thebracket 65in position on [1 l Then the ball 36 carrying grillefQI'lampF,cord 2| and box D is dropped into ute ne 13 as shownin Fig, 1.The screw -62 is attached land'fthe lock nut 63 applied removing coyrfZ'l .te do so if necessary.

Prerer my howe er; the'b'all tq'is placedW-in assembled rings ll and 13and screw 1 '61, and, nut 63 attached before the coverfll carrying theflector bulb Fmis attached. by, the connection s3 sl j of ig.4.

Then the plug 9 is screwed into the socketC andjthe' connections 1 410,pr Fig. 5 .or 88 %9. l of Fig; '7 are made toassemblerings'llfandj'litinto the bottom'ofjthel'ca V g.AL The casing Ahas previously. been n'lount'e'cl into the ceiling', wa'll. or columnlBwith cap n naeiee nea conne'ctid'n i The ball 30 may beturned'horizontally, 360 until the finger Ellis, stoppedby the fia ll c-(5 8 and rotated vertically; th e i'len'thi of slot .of Figs. 1 and3,.which as shown 5.4mm length.

The openings 8 and 56, as wares; the 'straps 5? will assure: perman nt.cor'iriection into .the plaster et of thefw, .1

To give typical dirnensions of one preferred m di e i h c -mar Is-Widely ies Hi tice, theb ulbF may ry from.150.'to300 watts, the casingA ear 2- eah 'sfi ea esm e nd. We in hes. i eight and the a 30 may be 6inches in diameter. The ring I3 ma have l ntense; o ni re n i diameterand' the grille structure Gjlmaybe 4 mi es. in d ameters he. wer 5. may?'b inch in width and inch thic iess lvvi th .a %,mgh l tx Re s i eip.taasmhpqim m F sand 10, the trough [0'] is provided with a top plateI02 and the end plates I03. The end plates I03 are mounted by thevertical brackets I04 on the pins I05. The vertical brackets I04 areattached to the wall or ceiling 99 by the flanges 98 and screws 97. Thepins I05 fit into spaced holes I06 enabling adjustment of the height ofthe trough I03. The swivel adjustmentIO'I enables adjustment of theangular position of the trough IOI. The sides of the trough I03 areprovided with vertical walls I08 and I09 and the connecting obliquewalls H0.

Interiorly there is a partition III which carries receptacles H2 for thelamps I I3 or 96 for the plugs I I4. The plugs H4 carry the conduits H5leading to the receptacles H6 and balls H9 of similar construction anddesign as the box D and ball 30 as shown in Fig. l. Switches 95 aremounted on trough I02.

The separating portions II'I divide the trough up into a series ofcompartments H8 which may receive the lamps H3 or the ball units H9. Theball units H9 are held in position by the plates I20, mounted by theconcealed hinges I2I and provided by the continuous lip I22. The lip isstopped by the flange I30 of the angle I3I at the uppermost position ofthe plates I20. The catches I23 will hold the plates I in said uppermostposition. To release balls II9, the plates I20 are swung down into thedotted line position as indicated in I24 in Fig. 9.

The catches I23 are mounted on the leaf spring I25 riveted to the wallsI09 at I26. The hinges I 2I may be provided with a spring hinge I32having coil spring I40 on pin I4I if desired for the flap member I 33 asshown in Fig. 10. The flange I34 of the member I32 will engage under theplate I20.

When the plates I20 are in down position I24, the balls H9 may beremoved. The balls II9 for example may be 7 inches in diameter ascompared to opening I38 of 6% inches and a length of trough of 6 feetwith eleven'compartments H8 having three carrying balls H9 and thebalance directly connected in adjustable lamps H3.

In Fig. 1a is shown the light source F of Fig. 1 screwed directly intoceiling element C with the ball structure and retaining structure Mremoved and replaced by a centrally open bottom closure ring R. The ringR has a base I50 with an upturned central vertical lip portion around acentral opening I52 through which the light from the reflector bulb F isthrown directly downwardly as indicated by the arrows I53. To

' the base I50 is welded the cylindrical ring I54 by the lower flangeI55, said ring I54 performing the same function as the ring 88 in Fig. 6or ring TI in Fig. 1. The edge flange I56 performs the same function asthe flanges 14 of Figs. 1 and 6.

The retaining structure M of Fig. 1 therefore may be most readilyreplaced by the bottom ring structure R, of Fig. 1a when the reflectorbulb F is changed to alternative position as shown in Fig. 1a.

The reflector bulb F may be 4%" in diameter where a 150 watt bulb (P. A.R. 38) is employed which will correspond to a ball 30 of about 6% indiameter.

The structure of Figs. 6 and 7 is advantageous in supporting greaterweight for example 4 to 5 pounds, as contrasted to the structure of Fig.5 which would only support about 2 to 3 pounds.

In Figs. 12 and 13 the spun brass ball member 300 having the spacedlouvres or grille 30I covered by a glass 302 is mounted in the shell 303having the inturned edge 304 .The shell 303 at itsupper edge 305telescopes around the lower edge 306 of the upper supporting shell 301.The connection between shells 303 and 301 is made by the hook 308 havingthe recess 309 receiving the inwardly directed lug 3I0 from the upperpart of the tab 3H. The hook 308 is fastened to the shell by the base3I2.

The upper part of the shell 30'! has a cylindrical portion 3 I 3 turnedin at 3I4 above the washer (H5 and. then upwardly at 3I8 to flt withinthe suspension tube 3l6. The suspension tube 3| 6 encloses the dependingconduit pipe member 3H extending downwardly any desired distance fromthe ceiling (say for example about 15" to 25"). The pipe 3II carries theelectrical connections.

The washer 3 I 5 rests upon the porcelain socket 320 into which may bescrewed the plug 32I carrying the cord 322. The cord 322 extends:through the bushing 323 into the socket 324 in. the cylindrical metalcup 325 leaving the ventilating openings 326. The socket 324 is held invposition by the supports 32! and carries the watt reflector bulb 328.

If desired, the ball 300 may be removed and. the lamp 325 screweddirectly into the socket 320 and the substitute cover attached to the:edge 304.

As an alternative construction shown in Fig. 14,. the reflector bulb 350is carried by the socket 35I which is suspended by the tube or pipe 352.The: pipe 352 is encircled by the pipe 353. To the: lower end 354 of thetube 353 is sweated the tubular extension 355 of the flared outside inverted bowl member 356. The inside reflector bowl member 351 has anupwardly extendingcollar 353 around the lower'portion 359 of thereflector bulb 350 and is attached at its upwardly and outwardly roundedrim 350 by the screws. 36I to the flared portion 362 of the bowl member"355. By having the reflector parabola 351 start; at the widest section359 of the bulb 350 maximum; reflection is obtained.

As many changes could be made in the above illuminating device and manyapparently widely difierent embodiments of this invention couldi be madewithout departing from the scope of the: claims, it is intended that allmatter contained! in the above description or shown in the accompanyingdrawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limitingsense.

What is claimed is:

1. A lighting fixture adapted to be mounted in a ceiling comprising anexternal cylindrical casing, substantially completely recessed into theceiling, said casing being provided with a lower peripheral supportingstructure, a ball-shaped casing carried by said lower peripheralsupporting structure and mounted for rotation in a horizontal planethereon, said ball-shaped casing being also capable of rocking movementin a vertical plane in the external casing, the ball-shaped casinghaving a lower open portion, said peripheral supporting structure beingsubstantially flush with the ceiling face, said ball-shaped casinghaving at the upper side thereof a mounting screw socket for a.reflector bulb positioned in said mounting socket so as to direct lightoutwardly through said lower open portion, said peripheral supportingstructure including an inwardly directed annular ring, the insidediameter of the ring being less than the outer diameter of theball-shaped casing, said annular ring serving as a rotating bearing forthe ball-shaped casing, and cooperatingstopmeans on the external cas- 1ing and the ball-shaped casing for limiting the rotation of theball-shaped casingin a horizontal plane, said step means including aguide member projecting outwardly from the side of the ball-shapedcasing, an upwardly extending vertically slotted and horizontallyrotatable bracket, said guide member extending through the slot in thebracket, and an inwardly projecting stop element on theinter-ior of theexternal casing adapted for engagement. with a part of said bracket tolimit the rotation-thereof.

2. A lighting fixture adapted to be mounted in a ceiling comprising anexternal cylindrical casing, ubstantially completely recessed into. theceiling, said casing being provided with a lower peripheral supportingstructure, a ball-shaped casing carried by said iowerzperipheralsupporting structure and mounted'for rotation in a horizontalplanethereon, said ball-shaped casing being also capable of rocking movementin a vertical plane in the external casing, the ball-shaped casinghaving a lower open portion, said peripheral supporting structure beingsubstantially flush with the ceiiin'gface, said ball-shaped casinghaving at the upperside thereof a mounting screw socket for a reflectorbulb positioned in said mounting socket so as to direct light outwardlythrough said lower open portion, said peripheral supporting structureincluding an inwardly directed annular ring, the inside diameter of thering being less than the outer diameter of the ball-shaped casing,sai'dannular ring serving as a rotating bearing forthe ballshapedcasing, and cooperating stop means on the external casing and theball-shaped casing for limiting the rotation of the ball-shaped casingin a horizontal plane, said peripheral supporting structure at the lowerend of said externalcasing in addition to said annular ring consistingof a plurality of nesting rings that are right angular in cross section,said external casing having a plurality of strap hangers to attachsaid-external casing to wire lath in the ceiling.

3. A lighting fixture adapted to be mounted in a ceiling comprising anexternalc'ylindrical casing, substantially completely recessed into theceiling, said casing being provided with a lower peripheral supportingstructure, a ball-shaped casing carried by saidlower peripheralsupporting structure and mounted for rotation in a'hor-izontal planethereon, said ball-shaped casing being also capable of rocking movementin a vertical plane in the external casing, the ball-shaped casinghaving a lower open portion, said peripheral supporting structure beingsubstantially flush with the ceiling face, said ball-shaped casinghaving at the upper side thereof a mounting screw socket for a reflectorbulb positioned in said mounting socket so as to direct light outwardlythrough said lower open portion, said peripheral supporting structureincluding an inwardly directed annular ring, the inside diameter of thering being less than the outer diameter of the ball-shaped casing, saidannular ring serving as a rotating bearing for the ball-shaped casing,and cooperating stop means on the external casing and the ball-shapedcasing for limiting the rotation of the ball-shaped casing in ahorizontal plane, said peripheral supporting structure at the lower endof said external casing in addition-to saidannular ring consisting of aplurality of nesting rings that are right angular in cross section, withthe outermost of said nested rings being mounted i in the ceiling.

4. A ceiling lighting fixture having an outer cylindrical casingrecessed into the ceiling, an inner spherical casing positioned withinthe outer cylindrical casing and projecting below the ceiling and thelower edge of the outer casing, the lower end of said outer casinghaving a mount for said'inner spherical casing, annular ring structureof right angular cross section aligned fi-ush with the ceiling, saidring structure carrysaid casings, said spherical casing being mounted.upon said ring structure and capable of rotating and rocking movement,said casings having stop means to limit the rotary movement of the innercasing to about 360 and the rocking movement of the inner sphericalcasing, the top sides of the casings carrying electrical connections,and the top side of the inner spherical casing carrying a screw socket,and a'flexible conductor between the electrical connections at the topsides of the casings, and a reflector lamp in said screw socket.

5. A ceiling lighting fixture having an outer cylindrical casingrecessed into the ceiling, an inner spherical casing positioned withinthe outer cylindrical casing and projecting below the ceiling and thelower edge of the outer casing, the lower end of said outer casinghaving a mount for said inner spherical casing, an annular ringstructure of right angular cross section aligned flush with the ceiling,said ring structure carrying said casings, said spherical casing beingmounted upon said ring structure and capable of rotating and rockingmovement, said casings having stop means to limit the rotary and rockingmovement of the inner spherical casing, the top sides of the casingscarrying electrical connections, and the top side of the inner sphericalcasing carrying a screw socket, and a flexible conductor between theelectrical connections at the top sides of the casings, said ringstructure including an outer plaster ring of right angular cross sectionmounted in the ceiling, an inner rotatable ring rotating with thespherical casing, and an intermediate connector ring to mount saidrotatable ring and to serve as a bearing for said inner ring.

6. A ceiling lighting fixture having an outer cylindrical casingrecessed into the ceiling, an inner spherical casing positioned withinthe outer cylindrical casing and projecting below the ceiling and thelower edge of the outer casing, the lower end of said outer casinghaving a mount for said inner spherical casing, an annular ringstructure of right angular cross section aligned flush with the ceiling,said ring structure carrying said casings, said spherical casing beingmounted upon said ring structure and capable of rotating and rockingmovement, said casings having stop means to limit the rotary and rockingmovement of the inner spherical casing, the top sides of the casingscarrying electrical connections, and the top side of the inner sphericalcasing carrying a screw socket, and a flexible conductor between theelectrical connections at the top sides of the casings, said ringstructure including a light trap bearing ring, said bearing ring beingof right angular cross section and serving as a light trap, said lighttrap bearing ring being rotatably slidable within-the ring structure andbearing against the sides of the inner spherical casing.

'7 An adjustable ball type reflector bulb mounting light fixturecomprising a cylindrical casing recessed into the ceiling of a room, ascrew type electrical socket at the top of said casing, a peripheralrotatable bearing ring structure at the lower edge of the cylindricalcasing, a rotatable vertically slotted bracket extending upwardly fromsaid ring structure, a stop for said bracket extending inwardly from theside wall of the easing, an inside ball member mounted on and pro-,iecting below said ring structure and having a screw socket at the topthereof, a reflector lamp having a screw connection plug mounted in saidlast-mentioned screw socket, a flexible electrical connection extendingbetween the plug and the last mentioned socket, a pin projectingoutwardly from said ball member and riding in said slot, said ringstructure including an inner ring of right angular cross sectioncarrying said bracket and moving with said pin, said ring structure alsoincluding an outer ring of right angular cross section detachablymounted upon the lower edge of the cylindrical casing, and serving as abearing for said inner ring, said inner ring carrying said bracket beingrotatable, said connection having a screw electrical connection plugscrewed into said socket at the top of the casing.

8. The fixture of claim 7, in which the lower portion of said bracket iscurved to conform to References Cited in the file of this patent UNITEDSTATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,469,587 Newton Oct. 2, 1923 1,870,241Dorey Aug. 9, 1932 1,882,185 Graham Oct. 11, 1932 2,152,197 Levy Mar.28, 1939 2,179,161 Rambusch et a1. Nov. 7, 1939 2,232,543 Logan Feb. 18,1941 2,283,010 Logan et a1 May 12, 1942 2,285,002 Wilson June 2, 19422,300,487 Conteville Nov. 3, 1942 2,321,099 Naysmith June 8, 19432,434,108 Handler Jan. 6, 1948

